Events

Wall Street Honors One-Year Anniversary of DADT Repeal

The event, which drew a crowd in the thousands, was held inside the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space museum harbored just off West 50th St. in the Hudson river.

Photos: Mason Braswell

Andrew Sendall, a U.S. Air Force veteran and current director at Citigroup Inc.'s Global Business Resiliency Services, reflected on his own struggles expressing himself while serving under 'Don't Ask Don't Tell.'

Admiral Michael Mullen, retired chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who became a spokesperson for the movement to repeal DADT.

"I felt blessed to be there and blessed to represent all of us in the United States military at a time that made such a difference in so many lives," Mullen said. "Our ability to serve, no matter who we are, is such a gift to America."

A number of entertainers made an appearance including Barbara Walters who went on stage to offer her support.

A festive crowd ranging from bankers and advisors to service men and women gathered for food and drinks in the ship's hull.

UBS Managing Director Daniel Maury, who serves as finance data strategy lead, Group CFO Management at the firm, said that the cause for allowing gays to serve in the military aligns closely with the mission statements of Wall Street firms that emphasize honesty, transparency and integrity

Wall Street firms turned out in force Tuesday night to celebrate a political development that for some hit close to home: the one-year anniversary of the repeal of the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy for gays serving in the military.